Smith Spokesman On Joining IDC: “It’s Not About Republicans”

Sen. Malcolm Smith, D-Queens, is joining the Independent Democratic Conference not to help Republicans retain the Senate majority, but to create a bi-partisan coalition, his spokesman said.

“This is not about Republicans,” said Smith spokesman Hank Sheinkopf, the veteran Democratic strategist. “Senator Malcolm Smith is joining as part of the Independent Democratic Conference to create a coalition, bi-partisan government that will get things done in Albany for people of the state.”

The New York Post reported today that Smith is joining the IDC and the aim is “joining forces with Republicans in a new coalition to run the fractured state Senate.”

But someone will ultimately have to be Senate president, and Sheinkopf didn’t rule out Smith voting for a Republican, such as current Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County. Smith is reportedly eying a run for New York City mayor as a Republican.

“If that is what’s required to create a bi-partisan, functioning coalition, that’s what will happen,” Sheinkopf said, adding that “Smith’s position is join the IDC, and this thing will work itself out over the next couple of weeks.”

Sheinkopf said Smith, the former majority leader during the 2009, coup isn’t leaving the Democratic Party.

“He’s an expert on dysfunctional government, having been the leader during the coup and the chaos of years past and he wants to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Sheinkopf said. “It has nothing to do with Republicans. He will remain a Democrat. What he wants to do is help the people of the state of New York.”